I'm ready to do dual batteries in the 60. I saw Nakman's sweet IBS setup, but wondering for much less $$ than that, would either of these setups be worth looking into? What would be the drawbacks of something like these vs. the IBS?

I just use an isolator that contains two diodes, each battery is isolated from the other by charging through the diodes. The second battery is basically a standby if you run the primary flat at camp. Total cost is under 10 bucks.

MDH33

12-04-2010, 06:35 PM

Here is my write up for a dual battery install in my 60 (http://www.risingsun4x4club.org/forum2/showthread.php?t=10372).

I used the National Luna setup. Not the cheapest, but I liked that the kit came with everything and was pretty straight-forward installing.

So far I really like it a lot. seems to work pretty flawlessly. handles a lot of current too.

Get the cables made up by a marine place online and save yourself some bucks. Hensley Battery in Denver can custom make cables too. I paid way too much for mine.

LARGEONE

12-04-2010, 08:35 PM

I ended up doing the dual battery set-up that Slee has on his site. I made my own cables and ordered an isolator that is used on tractors (200amp). It turned out nice and inexpensive.

Air Randy

12-05-2010, 10:24 AM

If anyone is interested, I have the battery tray and bracket for an FJ40 that allows you to mount dual batteries under the hood.

Jacket

12-05-2010, 10:29 AM

I think the Hellroaring isolator is a popular choice with a reasonable price tag. I've got the National Luna kit as well, but had to customize it a bit and upgrade the wires to accommodate a winching setup. Still a great product with nearly 5 years of flawless service, but its expensive even before you have to make changes.

Just a few weeks ago I left work at the end of the day and wandered out to the parking lot to head home. Tried to unlock the doors with the fob - no dice. Unlocked it manually, got in the truck, and I had drained the main battery. Oops....or not. A quick press of a button to open current to/from the 2nd battery, and viola - cranked her right over. With all advantages of a DBS, that feature is one of my favorites....:)

nakman

12-05-2010, 12:50 PM

I prefer the IBS over the Hellroaring. Part of that is the control.. hellroaring gives you a toggle switch and LED, while the IBS gives you more of a readout on battery voltages.. I had to create/add that functionality for the 80's Hellroaring setup. Also Hellroaring's basic backup setup uses your main battery for everything, leaving the second just as a backup. Over the years that's resulted in 8000 wires coming off my main battery, while the second battery sits on the other side all lonely with nothing to do... there's probably another config available with Hellroaring I just didn't do it, went with what was recommended at the time which was their "basic backup setup," one of my few regrets on the 80 build.

I'm liking the setup better where the main battery stays the main battery, but the second battery runs all the extra stuff. I particularly like having the ham radio wired direct to the second battery in the 100, not only it is another way to read its voltage, but the power doesn't spike when I start the truck which I think is hard on the radio, and I always forget to turn it off when starting the 80 back up on runs, etc.

I probably could have saved some money by piecing together a kit that does what the IBS does but this is one area where I'd prefer to just set it and forget it.. it's rock solid and super easy to wire up (easier than Hellroaring was) and it even works, I ran the main battery down last weekend wiring up the rear seat heaters and enjoyed pushing the button to link the second battery and fire the truck right up. I also like how the two batteries don't need to be the same, can even be one cheap one and an AGM, doesn't matter, while with Hellroaring iirc it's more of a bigger deal to keep them both the same, like two yellow tops, etc.

farnhamstj

12-05-2010, 01:55 PM

I carry a red top optima and set of jumpercables in the trunk when I feel it's necessary. (and most of the winter) Optima gets plugged into the wall occationally to keep it charged. Low tec and inexpensive. It's easy to remove and useful for jumping cars that are in parking lots or other area that are difficult to reach with my truck.